Quick Question About Getting A WiFi Router For A VirginMedia Connection

[DY357LX]

I'm thinking about picking up a wireless router in January from overclockers but am a little unsure of the set-up process.

My VirginMedia set-top box has a cable modem (this one, I think on top of it.
From this modem an rj45/ethernet cable runs to the back of my pc.

So, when I buy a wifi router, does the new router replace the modem on-top of the set-top box or does the rj45 cable now run from the modem to the router and a new rj45 cable (or wifi connection) connects to my pc?

Router recommendations (remember they have to be VirginMedia compatible) are more than welcome.
Router will be used for allowing a ps3, xbox 360 and ipad to get online. (Not all at the same time.)

Thanks!

 

[Wyrdo]

The modem will plug into the router and you'll have a number of ports to plug other devices into or obviously be able to connect wirelessly.

I have the router that VM were handing out when you signed up to the 50mb package which is OK I guess, I have recently been thinking about getting the Netgear WNDR3700.

 

[Skidilliplop]

Make sure you get a Cable/DSL router not the ADSL flavour, and also as important check the LAN to WAN throughput of it. Not all routers out there can handle routing at 50meg despite the ports being 100mbit ethernet (usually the cheaper ones).

As far as connecting multiple devices goes, the router does NAT which is the key bit that allows your single public IP address to be shared by multiple devices on private IPs. Once you have a device running NAT you can connect as many devices behind it as you like, however you like. Though be aware certain apllications need port forwarding set up. I'd imagine some games/features on Xbox and PS3 would require this.